North Shore Bank recently made a $5,000 donation to help renovate the existing space that will provide inclusive employment opportunities for local actors, musicians, set builders, ticket sellers and concession workers.

Susan Ring Brown, NeArc’s Chief Development Officer said:

“North Shore Bank is well known for its support of efforts to enhance both the economic vitality of the City and quality of life for residents. We’re grateful to their leadership team for helping us bring an initiative that supports both of those goals to fruition.”

Kevin M. Tierney, President and CEO of North Shore Bank stated:

“We’ve always had great admiration for Northeast Arc’s mission to serve those with disabilities, and over the years we’ve championed many initiatives that have added to the vibrant downtown area of Peabody.” He continued, “When we heard of what the city and Northeast Arc had planned for the theater, we were happy to lend our assistance to their fundraising efforts.”

Theaters of this type have become a very popular venue in many small communities. A black box theater is an unadorned performance space in a large room with black walls. Because of its design, the space provides for flexible staging that many artistic groups can take advantage of. The theater in Peabody Square will provide educational and recreational opportunities for youth and adults of all abilities. It will also be available for special event rentals.

Pictured left to right are Tom Gould, Peabody City Councilor and Chairman of the Friends of the Black Box Theater, North Shore Bank President and CEO Kevin Tierney, Northeast Arc's Director of Innovation & Strategy, Tim Brown, and Chris Pesce, North Shore Bank Marketing Officer.

About ArcWorks Community Art Center
Northeast Arc created the ArcWorks program in 2004 in response to a need expressed by families and caregivers for inclusive, more structured opportunities in the arts for the individuals and communities Northeast Arc serves. Initially, it served as a guild for artists with physical and/or intellectual challenges. Today its mission is to provide an inclusive visual arts experience for artists and viewers of all talents, skills, interests and backgrounds.

About North Shore Bank
North Shore Bank is a full-service community bank based in Peabody, Massachusetts and serving the personal and business banking needs of the North Shore, eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Established in 1888, the bank operates out of twelve area offices, located in Beverly, Danvers, Merrimac, Middleton, Newton, New Hampshire, Peabody, Salem and Saugus.